School of Postgraduate Studies

Board of Postgraduate Studies

The Board of Postgraduate Studies is vested with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies governing postgraduate training. Emphasis of MKU is high quality education and training of job creators.

In October 2012 the Vice Chancellor, MKU appointed a Postgraduate Taskforce. Among the issues addressed is:

To deal with any matters related to enhancement of quality and relevance of MKU postgraduate training.

The appointment of the Taskforce and the matters addressed are visionary because Kenya is now set to take off towards knowledge-based economy as spelt out in the Second Medium Term Plan 2013-2017 Kenya Vision 2030 (2nd MT Plan, September 2013). In chapter 3 of 2nd MT Plan, September 2013 key areas of development have been identified under Foundation for National Transformation. These relate to training programmes in which Mount Kenya University (MKU) is specially attuned to namely the Information and Communications Technology and Science, Technology and Innovation. The aspirations are that development in the two areas will be pivotal in taking the country to the next level of advancement. Under the Social Pillar (see Chapter 5) of the Vision 2030 it is stated that the Government of Kenya will be providing greater attention to education and training. Tourism and Trade (Chapter 4) are two of the six priority areas of development under the Economic Pillar. School of Postgraduate Studies in MKU is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the programmes across all schools and campuses. In this context the School is committed to providing service towards quality postgraduate education that is timely to achieve the national objectives.

As Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, I am delighted to welcome you to Mount Kenya University, one of Kenya’s most dynamic and innovative citadel universities. I hope you will find this prospectus useful in planning an exciting new chapter in your life. Postgraduate study is important in personal and professional development and, by choosing to study at Mount Kenya University, you are giving yourself a head start on the path to building your future and developing your career.

Historical Background

The School of Postgraduate Studies in Mount Kenya University was established in 2011 when the first Dean Dr. George Gongera was appointed. Nakuru, Nairobi and Eldoret were by then already offering Ph. D. Courses. In Thika Campus Master of Education programme was progressing. By 2012 postgraduate programmes were being offered across the campuses. Coordinators of Postgraduate Studies were appointed at the campus levels. Postgraduate programmes were begun in Oct 2009. At the time Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Governance and Ethics (MGE) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) were offered in collaborations with Gulu University in Uganda. A Postgraduate Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Charles Maranga was overseeing the programmes. In 2010 the University developed postgraduate programmes and the 17 Ph. D students who were studying under Gulu University were taken over to continue with their studies in Nairobi. There were 28 Master degree students the number that increased to 100 and were based in Nairobi and Eldoret. Master of Education and Business Administration and Public Administration the programmes on offer. In Kigali Campus Master degree programmes are offered in Public Health.In 2013 the first Ph. D. student in Business Finance graduated in MKU. Dr. ……… published two papers prior to graduation. Currently four schools are offering Master and Ph. D programmes; School of Education, School of Business and Economics, School of Social Sciences and School of Health Sciences. The PhD students’ enrolment as at 31st December 2013 is about 400 hundred.

VISION and Mission

To be a globally recognized centre for knowledge and excellence in research, training and development in addition to offering high quality and market-driven postgraduate education.

MISSIONTo create and provide an appropriate academic environment in which both students and members of staff of Mount Kenya University will frequently visit in search of professional guidance in research, training, education and postgraduate study programmes.

Modes of Study

Full time/regular

Part time/evening

Distance learning

School based

Annual Intakes

Full time thesis students: Jan-Dec Parttime - coursework, examination and thesis: Jan, May & Sept School based coursework, examination and thesis: April, August & December

Application Procedure

Applications should be accompanied by 3 copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, two passport sized photos, applicant’s national ID and a duly filled application forms addressed to the Registrar-Academic Affairs.